1650 Galleon

The joy of this project was figuring out a way to create a home that was infused with the spirit of Bali – that paradise of the bluest, greenest water on top of which sit tropical sanctuaries. My mind immediately began conjuring up images of stained mahogany, creamy, sheer fabrics and the millions of shades of blue seen in the mirror-like water when it’s reflecting the sky, and the sky when it’s taking on the blues of the water below.

The mixture of seashells and natural geodes with a few books and flowers bring out the contrast of raw, organic beauty juxtaposed with the more refined beauty of glass, polished metals and finely woven fabrics.

The cocktail table is made up of 9 cubes of knotty wood, left unfilled and nearly raw. Topped with glass, the beauty of the natural wood is perfectly matched with the function of a smooth, cleanable surface.

In the dining room are two niches clad in a navy grasscloth which serve as a backdrop for wooden pedestals topped with classic blue and white urns. The chandelier is reminiscent of coral branches, an expression of organic sea life expressed in sophisticated materials.

The living room features a custom-designed rug that references the waves and water just beyond the wall of windows. Ceiling coffers reflect the blue from the rug, the sky and the porcelain accents. The sofa is adorned with embroidered pillows and the quartz fireplace mantelpiece is flanked by a pair of the tall candle stands from my collection for Chelsea House.

In the kitchen, the cabinetry is made of rift cut oak, stained blonde and inset with dark contrasting accents. The double fridge is enclosed in a custom-designed, Orient-inspired armoire, influenced by an antique treasure I discovered during my travels to China. It is finished with handmade hardware in blackened stainless steel, a substantial visual and functional statement on the face of these dramatic doors. The kitchen’s two islands, one encased in a waterfall of leather-finished granite, make this space ideal for entertaining and cooking together with friends and family.

In the study, the base of the desk was created out of a vintage, industrial metal table base. A hand-crafted wood top transforms it into the perfect partner’s desk. Cherry cabinetry along the side wall provides discreet file storage with room for printers and equipment as well as drawers for pencils, stationery and books.

The sitting area of the study functions as a second family room. The blue chairs and striped roman shades welcome the deep and watery palette of the bay right into the space. Textures are the order of the day with leather wrapped lamps, raffia covered end tables and an oiled walnut floor.

The master suite sitting alcove provides the perfect place to read and enjoy the view of the bay. The simplicity of the chairs, table, and lamp contrast with the rich pattern of the drapes and natural, woven roman shades.

The guest loft on the second floor is all about casual living with tie-dyed drapery fabric and a hand-glazed side table. The cocktail table is topped with zinc and the lamps are wound with rope. Waffle weave fabric on the sofa is reminiscent of beach towels and contrasts with the leather pillows on the side chairs. The woven dog is the perfect companion for this busy family – doesn’t need much walking and eats very little.

The VIP guest suite features stained beams with palm matting the ceiling, recalling the thatched roof interiors seen in the South Pacific. A woven water hyacinth loveseat and matching chairs nestle at one end of the room, creating a place for guests to read or watch TV.

The vaulted ceiling of the VIP bath arches over the freestanding tub, dramatically placed in the center of the room. The porcelain tiles on the floor are stamped with an end-grain wood pattern.

The headboard was adapted from a wood ring wall hanging and is flanked by a pair of chests made from recycled mahogany and wrapped in parchment paper. Rattan reading lamps and petrified wood accents complete the study of textures in the composition of this bed wall.

The guest cottage stands off to the left as you enter the house. Inside, the desk niche at the window provides a quiet and cozy spot to write or reflect while looking out over the quiet pools of water in the front of the house.